CLASS sister publication Drinks International has unveiled The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2021, celebrating critically acclaimed mainstream and fine wines in the same list.
The brands were chosen by an academy made up of the world’s leading wine experts, including buyers, sommeliers, wholesalers, bar owners, Masters of Wine, writers and educators from 48 countries.
Familia Torres from Spain took the number one spot in the rankings after impressing the MAW academy with the quality and consistency of its wines. It also was awarded the Most Admired Wine Brand in Europe.
Catena, a family-owned winery in Mendoza with a reputation for producing some of the world’s finest Malbec, finished second, retaining its crown as the Most Admired Wine Brand in South America.
Another Spanish brand, Vega Sicilia, finished third. Australian brand Henschke was fourth, taking the regional award for the Most Admired Wine Brand in Australasia. Chilean powerhouse Concha y Toro completed the top five positions.
Europe was the clear winner in terms of region, contributing 29 brands to the list, led by France with 11 brands, Spain with eight and Italy with six.
The highest new entry this year was Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, which entered the list for the first time at number 7. Sicilian brand Planeta was the highest climber after rising 22 places year-on-year to number 17.
At number 10, Lebanon’s Chateau Musar was named the Most Admired Wine Brand from the Middle East and Africa, while Ridge from California was named the Most Admired Wine Brand from North America after ranking 22nd on the list.
Drinks International editor Martin Green said: “The Most Admired Wine Brands 2021 highlights the most iconic, exciting and innovative producers in the world.
“To win a place on this prestigious list is a tremendous achievement. There are thousands of wine brands vying for attention around the world, but just 50 elite icons have made the cut.
“Congratulations to all of the brands featured this year. They have earned the respect of hundreds of wine professionals and experts spread across the globe, and they have now gained the ultimate stamp of quality.
“Strong brands will play a vital role in leading the wine trade to a healthy future as the world emerges from Covid-19 lockdowns. The wineries featured on this list act as regional champions, category signposts and industry leaders, and they have the potential to steer the wine trade into a new Roaring Twenties.”
This is the 11th year in which Drinks International has compiled its definitive guide to The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands. It features a vibrant mix of Old World classics, ambitious New World producers and high-volume brands that offer exceptional value for money.
Download The World's Most Admired Wine Brands 2021 magazine here.
Here is the list in full:
1 Familia Torres, Spain
2 Catena, Argentina
3 Vega Sicilia, Spain
4 Henschke, Australia
5 Concha y Toro, Chile
6 Penfolds, Australia
7 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, France
8 CVNE, Spain
9 Antinori, Italy
10 Château Musar, Lebanon
11 E. Guigal, France
12 Château Lafite, France
13 Errazuriz, Chile
14 Felton Road, New Zealand
15 Villa Maria, New Zealand
16 Yalumba, Australia
17 Planeta, Italy
18 Château Cheval Blanc, France
19 M. Chapoutier, France
20 Château d’Yquem, France
21 Ridge, USA
22 Symington, Portugal
23 Château Petrus, France
24 Frescobaldi, Italy
25 Château Palmer, France
26 Gaja, Italy
27 Montes, Chile
28 Cono Sur, Chile
29 Jackson Family Wines, USA
30 Craggy Range, New Zealand
31 Château Margaux, France
32 Campo, Viejo Spain
33 Château Haut-Brion, France
34 Nederburg, South Africa
35 Château Mouton-Rothschild, France
36 Bruce Jack, South Africa
37 Bodegas Abadal, Spain
38 Esporão, Portugal
39 Gallo Family Vineyards, USA
40 Sassicaia, Italy
41 Louis Latour, France
42 McGuigan, Australia
43 Ramón Bilbao, Spain
44 Oyster Bay, New Zealand
45 Royal Tokaji, Hungary
46 Beringer, USA
47 Raventós Cordoníu, Spain
48 Santa Rita, Chile
49 Tignanello, Italy
50 La Rioja Alta, Spain